Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

On-site in Soweto

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a leading Oil & Gas services provider in Soweto, Gauteng, to recruit a Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer. You will design, manage and optimize drilling fluid systems to support safe and efficient operations, supervise field fluid logistics, and troubleshoot fluid problems with a focus on performance and compliance.

The ideal candidate has ≥6 years of drilling fluids experience, a relevant Bachelor's degree, and strong knowledge of rheology, fluid properties and wellbore

Qualifications

• 6+ years of drilling fluids experience in Oil & Gas
• Strong knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology and properties
• Experience with water-based, oil-based, and synthetic-based fluids

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize drilling fluid programs based on well objectives and environment
• Supervise day-to-day drilling fluid system operations on rigs
• Monitor fluid properties and adjust formulations to maintain performance
• Troubleshoot issues like lost circulation or wellbore instability
• Prepare reports on performance, costs, and recommendations

Skills

Drilling fluids

Rheology

Fluid properties

Troubleshooting

Field operations

Safety/compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Petroleum Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading service provider in the Oil & Gas sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer to join their team serving operations in the Soweto, Gauteng region. This role is essential for ensuring the effective design, management, and optimization of drilling fluid systems to support safe and efficient drilling operations. You will be responsible for overseeing fluid logistics, problem-solving, and ensuring that drilling fluid performance meets the technical requirements of various well programs. The successful candidate will have a strong technical background in drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, and properties, coupled with practical field experience. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to critical drilling projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and recommend drilling fluid programs based on well objectives, formation characteristics, and environmental considerations.
• Supervise and manage the day-to-day operations of drilling fluid systems on drilling rigs.
• Monitor drilling fluid properties and performance, making necessary adjustments to maintain optimal conditions.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid-related problems such as lost circulation, wellbore instability, and formation damage.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations related to drilling fluid handling and disposal.
• Manage inventory and logistics for drilling fluid additives and equipment.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers, geologists, and rig personnel to optimize drilling performance.
• Prepare detailed reports on drilling fluid performance, costs, and recommendations.
• Stay current with advancements in drilling fluid technology and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience as a Drilling Fluids Engineer in the Oil & Gas industry.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid chemistry, rheology, filtration, and fluid properties.
• Experience with various types of drilling fluids (e.g., water-based, oil-based, synthetic-based).
• Familiarity with drilling fluid equipment and testing procedures.
• Strong understanding of wellbore mechanics and formation interactions with drilling fluids.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding field environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness to travel to operational sites as required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including attractive incentives and a comprehensive benefits program encompassing private medical insurance, a retirement annuity, and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement are readily available through specialized training and exposure to diverse drilling projects.
• This role is based within the metropolitan area of Soweto, Gauteng , providing a strategic location for operations.
• Our client fosters a strong team-oriented environment focused on safety, efficiency, and innovation in drilling operations.
• Join a respected company dedicated to providing high-quality services to the Oil & Gas industry.